You Can Be Both

Lauren Lanzaretta
  • 5.0 (19)
  • SEXUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz

  1. 3D AGO

    Jaden Ivey Pride Night Controversy Explained | Gay Christian Responds

    NBA player Jaden Ivey was recently suspended for making homophobic comments about Pride Night, calling it "unrighteous" and against his Christian beliefs. But when did being Christian become about being the moral police instead of loving people? In this episode, I break down why Jaden Ivey's comments are the opposite of what Jesus taught, why Pride Night matters for LGBTQ+ people who have been marginalized and discriminated against for decades, and why Christians need to stop using their beliefs to justify hate. Here's the truth: LGBTQ+ people are human beings. We wake up, go to work, have families, and try to survive just like everyone else. We've been kicked out of churches, rejected by our families, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply for being who we are. And now, when the NBA says, "Hey, we're going to have ONE NIGHT where LGBTQ+ people can feel welcomed and safe," some Christians have a problem with it?That's not Christianity. That's bigotry. IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Why Jaden Ivey's "beliefs" are actually harmful ✅ The difference between beliefs and bigotry ✅ How the Bible was used to justify slavery and segregation ✅ What Jesus actually said about loving marginalized people ✅ Why Christians who obsess over LGBTQ+ people might be struggling themselves ✅ A challenge to Christians: Go to Pride Night and meet real people ✅ Why "loving the sinner, hating the sin" is still hate QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: "When your beliefs start to take away the human rights of other people, they are no longer beliefs. You are just a homophobic and hateful bigot." "You are not earning any brownie points with God for hating on people." "Stop being narcissistic and thinking that you have all the answers. You are a sinner yourself, and God had mercy on you—so have mercy on others." RESOURCES: 📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support: The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth)PFLAG: Support for parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ peopleQ Christian Fellowship: Community for LGBTQ+ Christians 💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity. 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH: 📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth] 🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth] 🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listen FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA: 📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com SHARE THIS MESSAGE: 💬 Know a Christian who needs to hear this? Share this video. 💬 Know an LGBTQ+ person hurt by comments like Jaden's? Send them this. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 👍 Leave a comment—I read every single one. You don't have to choose between your faith and loving LGBTQ+ people. You can be both. UPCOMING: 🎥 Testimony Tuesdays — Live testimonies every Tuesday on YouTube 📱 Community App — The largest community of LGBTQ+ people of faith in the world (coming soon!) 📞 One-on-One Calls — Personal support for your faith journey (launching soon!) A NOTE TO VIEWERS: If you're a Christian struggling with LGBTQ+ acceptance, I get it. I used to be homophobic too when I was in the closet. But I challenge you: stop othering people. Look at LGBTQ+ individuals as human beings loved by God who deserve respect and dignity. If you're LGBTQ+ and you've been hurt by Christians like Jaden Ivey, please know: You are not unrighteous. You are not an enemy of God. You are loved, valued, and worthy exactly as you are. #JadenIvey #PrideNight #NBA #ChicagoBulls #GayChristian #LGBTQChurch #ChristianLGBTQ #Homophobia #ChristianAthlete #PrideControversy #LGBTQRights #ChristianResponse #YouCanBeBoth #LaurenLanzaretta #QueerFaith #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchHurt #LGBTQTestimony #ChristianAlly #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChristianity

    14 min

  2. APR 5

    America's Got Talent Contestant Comes Out As Gay After Leading Worship in Megachurches for Years

    "I was a worship leader who sang about God's love every Sunday—while hiding who I really was. "In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Israel Isaac, a longtime megachurch worship leader who came out as gay four years ago and recently auditioned for America's Got Talent and appears on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules. For years, Israel led thousands of people in worship—pouring his heart into every song, every service, every moment on stage. But he was living a double life. He was gay, and he knew if anyone found out, everything would change. When Israel came out just four years ago, it cost him everything he knew—his church, his community, his sense of belonging. But it also gave him something he'd never had before: freedom. In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Israel shares his journey of growing up gay in the church, the pain of hiding, the courage it took to come out, and what happened when he finally stepped into his truth. From leading worship in front of 10,000 people to standing on the America's Got Talent stage and now appearing on Vanderpump Rules, Israel's story is proof that you don't have to choose between your faith and your identity. If you've ever felt like you had to hide who you are to be loved, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Growing up gay in a religious community ✅ What it's like to lead worship while closeted ✅ Coming out four years ago and how it changed everything ✅ How the church responded ✅ Israel's journey to America's Got Talent ✅ Being on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules ✅ Finding self-acceptance and freedom ✅ Why you don't have to choose between faith and identity RESOURCES: 📖 Download the FREE LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🏳️‍🌈 Crisis Support: The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth) GLAAD: Resources for LGBTQ+ Christians 💜 Support the Mission: If this podcast has helped you, please consider donating to help us expand our reach and support more LGBTQ+ individuals navigating faith and identity. 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth FOLLOW YOU CAN BE BOTH: 📸 Instagram: [@youcanbeboth] 🎵 TikTok: [@youcanbeboth] 🎙️ Podcast: Search "You Can Be Both" wherever you listen FOLLOW LAUREN LANZARETTA: 📸 Instagram: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🎵 TikTok: [@laurenlanzaretta] 🌐 Website: laurenlanzaretta.com SHARE THIS MESSAGE: 💬 Know someone who needs to hear Israel's story? Share this episode with them. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a story of hope and healing. 👍 Leave a comment—your story matters. You don't have to choose between your truth and your faith. You can be both. #ComingOut #LGBTQChurch #WorshipLeader #ChristianLGBTQ #QueerFaith #AmericasGotTalent #AGT #VanderpumpRules #ComingOutStory #GayAndChristian #ChurchHurt #ReligiousTrauma #LGBTQYouth #QueerStories #FaithJourney #LGBTQTestimony #YouCanBeBoth #ChristianCommunity #QueerWorship #LGBTQAcceptance #LaurenLanzaretta #ProgressiveChristianity #AffirmingChurch #IsraelIsaac #BravoTV #comingoutstory

    59 min

  3. MAR 29

    This Lesbian Harvard Grad Exposes the Problem With Modern Christianity

    What happens when a Harvard Divinity School graduate, public theologian and gardening philosopher sits down with an LGBTQ Christian podcast host for over an hour of raw, unfiltered conversation about faith, sexuality, race, the church and what it means to truly know God? This. This episode happens. Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Ciarra Jones — known as the Gardening Theologian — for one of the most thought-provoking, theologically rich and deeply personal conversations the You Can Be Both podcast has ever had. Ciarra is a writer, speaker and public theologian who helps people untangle inherited beliefs and cultivate a faith that is rooted, liberated and alive. In this episode, Lauren and Ciarra explore: 🌱 Growing up Black in all-white California towns — and what that teaches you about systems of power 📖 How Ciarra's parents' divorce led her into fundamentalist Christianity — and what it took to find her way out 🏳️‍🌈 What the church gets wrong about LGBTQ identity — and what a more expansive faith looks like ✝️ The difference between a punishing God and a gentle God — and who benefits from each 🌿 How gardening became a spiritual practice and a theological framework 💬 Ex-gay theology, deconstruction, inherited belief systems and what it means to truly be free Ciarra's closing message will stay with you: What does a gentle God look like — and what does that God offer us? This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like their faith and their identity couldn't coexist. You can be both. 🌱 FOLLOW CIARRA JONES: Instagram & TikTok: @TheGardeningTheologianPodcast: The Community Garden Podcast/Substack: The Gardening Theologian 📥 FREE LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide — Lauren's full testimony plus every book, podcast and voice that helped her move from shame to freedom: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: 🍎 Apple Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" 🎧 Spotify: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" ▶️ YouTube: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" 📲 FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @LaurenLanzarettaTikTok: @LaurenLanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta 💛 LOVE THIS PODCAST? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP: This podcast exists to remind every LGBTQ person of faith that they are not alone — and it reaches people because of YOU. ✅ Like this video — it tells the algorithm this conversation matters ✅ Leave a comment — share what resonated, ask a question, say hi ✅ Share this episode with one person who needs to hear it — a friend, a family member, someone still struggling in silence ✅ Subscribe so you never miss a Sunday episode 💛 Consider donating to help us expand this mission and reach more people who feel alone — every contribution helps us keep going and grow: https://account.venmo.com/u/youcanbeboth You are not confused. You are not broken. You are not too much. You can be both. #YouCanBeBoth #LGBTQChristian #GardeningTheologian #CiarraJones #LaurenLanzaretta #FaithAndSexuality #QueerChristian #Deconstruction #ChristianPodcast #LGBTQFaith #HarvardDivinity #BlackChristian #GentleGod #FaithAndPride #LGBTQHealing

    1h 19m

  4. MAR 22

    Christian Parents: How to Love Your LGBTQ Child Without Losing Your Faith

    What happens when a deeply Christian mom learns her daughter is gay — while sitting in a rainy parking lot before school? In this powerful episode of the You Can Be Both Podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Staci Frenes — singer, songwriter, author and Christian mom — who shares the raw, emotional moment her daughter Abby came out to her at 16, and the years-long journey that followed as she learned to hold onto both her faith and her child. Staci's latest book, Love Makes Room, is a memoir about how she expanded her faith to fully embrace her daughter's LGBTQ+ identity — without letting go of God. This conversation is for every LGBTQ person who has feared coming out to their parents, and every parent who is trying to find their way.In this episode: 🏳️‍🌈 The moment Staci's daughter came out — and how she responded 🙏 How a conservative Christian mom reconciled her faith with her child's identity 💔 The two years of pain before Abby could say the words out loud ❤️ What Staci wants every LGBTQ person — and every parent — to hear 📖 How her book Love Makes Room is giving families a third way forward 📥 FREE LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide — includes Lauren's full testimony and every book, podcast and voice that helped her move from shame to freedom: 👉 laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 📖 Get Staci's book Love Makes Room — available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold: https://amzn.to/4t1zk2Q 🎵 LISTEN TO LAUREN'S MUSIC: 🍎 Apple Music: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" 🎧 Spotify: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" ▶️ YouTube: Search "Lauren Lanzaretta" 📲 FOLLOW LAUREN: Instagram: @Lanzaretta TikTok: @Lanzaretta YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta 💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear that they are not confused, not broken, not too much — and that they can be both. #YouCanBeBoth #LGBTQChristian #ChristianMom #LGBTQFaith #ComingOut #LoveMakesRoom #LaurenLanzaretta #ChristianPodcast #LGBTQHealing #FaithAndPride #ComingOutStory #ChristianParents #LGBTQParents #Affirming

    1h 8m

  5. MAR 15

    Separating God's Love From the Hate You Were Taught in Church

    Have you ever wondered if God actually loves you — or if the hate you've heard from others is the truth? In this solo episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta takes a break from guests to speak directly to her community about one of the most important questions LGBTQ people of faith wrestle with: does God love me, exactly as I am?Lauren reads a powerful listener testimony from a woman who grew up Amish, survived years of sexual abuse, came out as a lesbian, and found her way back to God — and uses it to explore how we separate a loving God from the painful messages we've received from religion and family. This episode is for anyone who has been told they're going to hell, who has walked away from their faith because of shame, or who is quietly wondering if there's still a place for them at God's table. There is.Lauren also shares exciting updates on what's coming for the You Can Be Both community — including a private community app, one-on-one mentoring calls, live retreats, and monthly group Zoom calls.In this episode:-A moving listener testimony about surviving abuse, coming out, and returning to faith-How to separate God's love from hateful religious messaging-Why your relationship with God as an LGBTQ person is powerful — not disqualified-A prayer over every person listening this week-Exciting community updates including a private app, mentoring calls, and live eventsFree LGBTQ Healing and Resource Guide — including Lauren's full testimony and every book, podcast, and voice that helped her move from shame to freedom — https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth📧 Sign up for community updates and be the first to know when the app launches: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJWqrj3WinN-Li_TqY3RtMc8L3WTUw9jCikDQ6NPtyjOlAJg/viewform💛 If this podcast has helped you, consider sharing it with someone who needs it — or donating to help this message reach people still struggling in silence.Find Lauren's music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music — search Lauren Lanzaretta📲 Follow You Can Be Both:Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeNew episodes every Sunday at 11 a.m.

    34 min

  6. MAR 8

    "Homosexual" Wasn't in the Bible Until 1946 — Here's How A Mistranslation Fueled LGBTQ+ Hate

    Did the word “homosexual” really appear in the Bible for the first time in 1946? In this episode of the You Can Be Both podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta interviews Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, director of the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. The film investigates how the word homosexual entered an English Bible translation for the FIRST TIME in 1946 — and how that translation has shaped modern conversations around Christianity, LGBTQ identity, and faith. Using archived research from Yale University, scholars, and historical records, the documentary explores how a translation decision influenced theology, culture, and the global debate about LGBTQ people in the church. If you’ve ever asked: • Can you be LGBTQ and Christian? • Does the Bible actually condemn homosexuality? • What happened in the 1946 Bible translation? This conversation breaks down the history, the scholarship, and the real-life impact. ⸻ 🎙 In This Episode 00:00 – Introduction to the You Can Be Both podcast 01:40 – Why the documentary 1946 is so important 03:50 – The discovery of the Bible mistranslation 06:00 – Why the director quit her job to make this film 10:00 – Growing up Christian and LGBTQ 12:00 – How the translation controversy was discovered 19:00 – Why allies are essential in LGBTQ faith spaces 21:00 – The impact the film has had worldwide 27:00 – Understanding the original Greek context 33:00 – The “clobber verses” explained 38:00 – Navigating faith as an LGBTQ Christian 46:00 – Family, faith, and difficult conversations 54:00 – What’s next for the 1946 movement ⸻ 🎬 Watch the Documentary1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture Streaming on major platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube. Learn more:https://1946themovie.com ⸻ 🌈 About the Podcast You Can Be Both explores the intersection of faith, identity, and healing from religious trauma.The show features conversations with theologians, filmmakers, creators, and LGBTQ Christians who are redefining what faith can look like. 🌈 LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth 🎵 Lauren's music: search Lauren Lanzaretta on Spotify, Apple Music & YouTube ⸻ 🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations About: LGBTQ Christianity Faith and sexuality Bible translation history Christian deconstruction Inclusive theology #1946Documentary#LGBTQChristian#FaithAndSexuality#BibleTranslation#christiandeconstruction If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Support You Can Be Both: https://account.venmo.com/u/youcanbeboth

    1h 5m

  7. MAR 1

    I Married a Man... Then Realized I'm a LESBIAN | Christian Coming Out Story

    What happens when you grow up evangelical, marry a man, build a life… and then realize you’re actually a lesbian? In this powerful episode of the You Can Be Both Podcast, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Sophia Spallino — luxury lesbian matchmaker and founder of The Queer Country Club — to talk about coming out at 29, leaving a heterosexual marriage, losing everything, and rebuilding a life rooted in truth, faith, and aligned partnership. Sophia shares: • Growing up in evangelical Christianity • Suppressing same-sex attraction for years • Marrying a man while knowing something wasn’t right • The moment she finally admitted, “I’m a lesbian” • Losing her home, finances, and stability after coming out • Why so many married Christian women are secretly struggling • What lesbians are REALLY looking for in a partner • The truth about monogamy, dating apps, and modern queer dating • Why faith and sexuality don’t have to be opposites If you’ve ever felt torn between your faith and your identity… this conversation is for you. Share this with someone who needs to hear it! ✨ You can be both LGBTQ and a person of faith. ✨ Follow us on @Youcanbeboth, @Lanzaretta ⸻ 🔗 Resources Mentioned: • LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth • Queer Country Club Dating Platform: https://queercountryclub.com/ • Follow Sophia: https://www.instagram.com/sophiaspallino/?hl=en #ChristianLesbian #LateBloomingLesbian #ComingOutStory #FaithAndSexuality #ExEvangelical #LesbianDating #QueerChristian #LGBTQFaith #ReligiousTrauma #WomenLovingWomen #LesbianMatchmaker

    1h 8m

  8. FEB 22

    Can You Be Trans and Christian? One Former Megachurch Pastor Says Yes — and She’s Running for Office

    Can you be transgender and Christian? What happens when a megachurch pastor comes out as trans? And why is she now running for public office? In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, host Lauren Lanzaretta sits down with Joanna Whaley, a former evangelical megachurch pastor who was outed, fired, and subjected to 15 years of conversion therapy — and is now running for the Michigan House of Representatives. Joanna shares:     •    What 15 years of conversion therapy did to her mental health     •    The real experience of gender dysphoria     •    What it felt like to lose her job after being outed     •    Why she still identifies as a Christian     •    How Christian nationalism impacts LGBTQ people     •    Her response to rhetoric from Donald Trump and the rise of anti-trans legislation     •    Why she believes we’re in a “100-year battle” for LGBTQ inclusion in the church • Why she's running for Michigan House of Representatives Joanna previously served at one of America’s largest megachurches, including Life Church, and holds a seminary degree focused on liberation and queer theology. Today, she works as a clinical chaplain and advocates for LGBTQ+ Christians seeking faith without shame. If you’ve ever wondered:     •    Is being LGBTQ a sin?     •    What does the Bible really say about trans people?     •    Can you follow Jesus and affirm queer identities?     •    How do you survive coming out in evangelical spaces? This conversation is for you. 💬 “You are not a problem for God.” That message alone could change someone’s life. ⸻ 📌 Resources Mentioned     •    LGBTQ Healing & Resource Guide: https://www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth     •    Support Joanna’s campaign: https://www.joannawhaley.com/ If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to: 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe 📤 Share with someone who needs hope You can be LGBTQ. You can love Jesus. You don’t have to choose. #TransChristian #LGBTQFaith #Exvangelical #ChristianNationalism #GenderDysphoria #ConversionTherapy #ProgressiveChristianity #FaithAndPolitics #QueerTheology #MichiganPolitics

    1h 19m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

You Can Be Both is hosted by singer/songwriter Lauren Lanzaretta, who shares honest conversations about being both gay and Christian—two identities often seen as incompatible. The podcast creates space for LGBTQ+ people of faith to find healing, community, and a deeper connection with Christ while fully embracing who they are. As a first step to your healing journey, I recommend the “LGBTQ+ Healing & Resource Guide” - go to www.laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth Send testimony/questions to https://bit.ly/49G1tpz

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lauren Lanzaretta
  • Show Website
    You Can Be Both

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